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**Sir X** · May 16, 2007, 10:44 PM

Just one week until a destiny is met. A win, and Liverpool join their opponents as the second most successful club in the history of the European Cup.

Had anyone told me this would be possible as 2003/04 limped to an end, I'd have laughed in disbelief. Who were Liverpool going to employ as manager that summer, David Copperfield?

A sixth European crown would be a remarkable achievement. And despite what Alex Ferguson says, Liverpool have a good chance of success.

We need to be fully aware that what Milan did to Ferguson's United was not a million miles away from what Portsmouth did to a ragged United a couple of weeks earlier. Milan's 3-0 walkover should not be construed as some kind of children's bedtime scare story – for us, at least. (For United fans, it was just that.)

While a fresh Milan were more than capable of beating any team United could put out, given it was at the San Siro and that they began so brightly against tired opposition, United's starting eleven also lacked the two centre-backs who have given them a good platform all season. Rio Ferdinand was injured, and only the ghost of Nemanja Vidic played. Gary Neville, never a favourite around these parts, will at least get the begrudging acknowledgement of being solid and reliable, and Patrice Evra, who has had a good season on the whole, was also absent.

Yes, Milan also ran riot against Liverpool in Istanbul, before half-time intervened. But it has to be noted that the Reds' defence is far better drilled as a unit than 2005, and also has a more reliable shielding presence in midfield.

Djimi Traoré had an absolute nightmare in the first half two years ago, although later redeemed himself somewhat with a great goal-line clearance.

But he was a player who, on the night, like a lot of other Reds, clearly suffered from first-half stage fright. It was the biggest game in the lives of that starting XI, whereas Milan had been there, done that. Now Liverpool have been there and done that, too.

This year's Milan are a great side going forward, but for me they do not compare with Barcelona in terms of attacking talent.

The Italians look a better balanced side, with more solidity as a unit, but they don't have a front four to compare with the frightening quartet of Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Messi and Deco, whose touch and movement is something else. Also, Milan's current strikers are nowhere near as intimidating as Crespo and Shevchenko were in 2005, but of course, in Kaká they have a real gem who has improved even more since then.

I fully respect Milan, and make them favourites based on their experience. But I don't see any reason to fear them. If Liverpool can win in a partisan Nou Camp after being a goal down to a Barcelona team who were, at that moment in the game, purring like the 1970 Brazilians, then the Reds can win in a neutral setting, with a passionate support willing them on, against a team they psychologically scarred two years ago.

Make no mistake: Liverpool fully deserve their place in the final. At no point in the entire campaign have the Reds been in danger of elimination, ever since dominating Group C.

A narrow defeat at Stamford Bridge was the only significant deficit all season (bar a few minutes in the Nou Camp, and just four minutes early in the qualifier against Maccabi Haifa), and it took just 22 minutes of the semi-final second leg to even it up against Mourinho's men. Even the penalty shoot-out was trouble-free, with the Reds in control from the first kick.

What has pleased me about our defending in Europe has been the lack of panic – of feeling a goal could be conceded at any moment – bar those first 20-30 minutes in Barcelona, and a couple of times when Pepe Reina needed to save at Stamford Bridge. The entire season has been relatively stress-free, particularly at crucial points in the games.

Neither Chelsea nor Barcelona worried the Reds' defence at Anfield; the weird thing was how little Barcelona created on the whole, and especially in the last 10 minutes, when a second goal would have taken them through. And even weirder was how Chelsea, needing just one away goal to force the Reds into scoring three, failed to make Liverpool's defence even remotely twitchy.

As a fan, I still panic to a degree. Perhaps I'll never lose those twitching sensations, from all those years of Phil Babb tackling goalposts with his coccyx and an overweight Neil Ruddock floundering like a beached whale; not to mention David James, before he became the mature goalkeeper of today, rashly flying out of his goal.

While I don't particularly care who wins the final for the Reds so long as someone does, the romantic in me can't help but hope it's someone for whom there's an extra-special story, and, to lessen the sense of déjà vu, someone different to two years ago regarding the players who remain at the club.

One of the things that gave me most joy in Istanbul was Vladimir Smicer's unexpected contribution as a sub: stunning goal, and coolly taken penalty. (I also loved the thought of him smoking a celebratory cigar in Taksim Square at 3am.) The Czech, while a popular figure, never found his best form at Liverpool, but six years of injury-induced inconsistency were forgotten that night, and now we all remember him particularly fondly.

I can't help but want to see Robbie Fowler play some kind of telling role, even if only as a late sub; just as he was so close to doing against Chelsea, as the designated fifth penalty taker. (Ironic that he was a minute from taking a penalty in his Anfield farewell game, too.)

Having been in Istanbul as a fan, his passion for the club is special. And he remains a 'big game' player: someone who never freezes in the limelight. He scored crucial goals in two of the three finals of 2001, despite only starting one of those games, as well as a penalty in the League Cup final shoot-out. He also scored in the semi-finals.

Then there's Peter Crouch, a man who has spent far too much of his career being mocked, but for whom a Champions League winners' medal would be the latest positive achievement in a hard-earned battle to be taken seriously.

Or Harry Kewell. He was sensational in the World Cup game against Croatia last summer, almost single-handedly dragging Australia through to the knockout stage, but has had wretched luck with injuries since joining Liverpool. No player wants to limp out of a cup final, but he's done so in three for the Reds, having worked hard at his fitness in the build-ups to those games.

He's got fit again now, and, given the circumstances, looked incredibly sharp against Charlton. It might be too soon to start the final, but he remains a special player who can excel in every attacking aspect of the game: passing, going past people, crossing, scoring, creating, and is also very strong in the air. A fit and confident Harry Kewell is such a great asset for the club, and someone Milan would justifiably fear.

One of the interesting things to monitor will be Milan's psychological fall-out from 2005. Just as United remain a lucky semi-final opponent for Milan, dating back to the 1950s, then Liverpool have clearly made themselves unlucky final opposition for the Milanese.

I don't believe too much in records stating "team X hasn't beaten team Y in 30 years" because ultimately it's different personnel involved.

But the mental blocks of recent history can be true enough. These blocks are never enough to predetermine a result, but they can have a bearing on how the teams perform. Chelsea now know that, in a cup semi-final, their chances of eliminating Liverpool are unusually slim, and it seemed that they lacked some belief once Daniel Agger scored in the latest clash.

It's like Manchester United and late goals. Teams believe they specialise in them, and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy as the clock winds down. Both this season and last Liverpool have lost to stoppage-time goals against United. In a similar way, firmly etched into Milanese minds is that Liverpool specialise in comebacks. Especially if they watched last season's FA Cup final.

Unlike Liverpool, Milan are no strangers to losing European Cup finals. Another defeat would make it five; at present, the sombre game at Heysel is Liverpool's only taste of defeat. And of all the teams who've won the trophy more than twice, Liverpool have by far the best success ratio: five out of six finals won to date. Ajax, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, like Milan, all have a high number of defeats as well as successes.

So in that sense the Reds are still pretty unique. Indeed, Liverpool aren't a team who tend to lose many finals, full-stop. The defeat in the League Cup against Chelsea in 2005 is the only reversal in the last seven 'proper' cup finals.

It's like the Reds' penalty record: ten wins in eleven shoot-outs. Any England or Germany fan will know how previous encounters can linger in the mind, for good and bad, and influence current proceedings.

History won't automatically help Liverpool, of course. But we can still hope and believe that it will act as the kind of sixth sense we crave the most.

**Sir X** · May 16, 2007, 10:45 PM

RAFA: CL WON'T MAKE US GREAT YET
Jimmy Rice 16 May 2007
Rafa Benitez believes his side will still have work to do to stand alongside the club's legendary teams of the 70s and 80s even if they win their second Champions League in three years next week.
While the Spaniard is sure recent successes have sent a message to the world, he insists his players must go on to win the Premiership if they are to consider themselves great.

"Whether we are a great team depends on what happens next season and in a few years' time," he said. "Now we are in our second Champions League final in three seasons. But when you talk about being compared with the big teams, we have to keep winning a lot.

"We are sending a message to the world that we are progressing. We want to be a strong team and if we can win more trophies in the future, all well and good. But for us, the target next season is the Premier League."

Benitez believes another indication of his side's progress is the willingness of senior players like Steven Gerrard to pen new deals.

The Liverpool skipper confirmed yesterday that he wants to sign a contract extension as soon as possible.

"Maybe we will try to get Steven's contract sorted out before the holidays or maybe it will be a little bit later. But certainly the situation is not the same as it was two years ago," said Benitez.

"The good news is players want to stay because they know we are progressing. If they stay here maybe they realise they have more opportunities of winning trophies.

"We want to be a strong team and a strong squad. If we want to win more titles in the future, keeping players like Steven is key."

Meanwhile, the Liverpool manager thinks Milan are a much better side than the one which lost in Istanbul two years ago.

"We have more experience than we did two years ago, but Milan also have players who have won the World Cup," he said. "They have greater qualities than last time. They are stronger in the middle and in defence.

"We experienced how good Milan are during the first half in Istanbul. The second half was better, so hopefully our performance will be more like that."

**Sir X** · May 17, 2007, 10:41 AM

ATHENS '07: JOHN ARNE RIISE INTERVIEW
Liverpoolfc.tv 17 May 2007
With less than a week to go before the final in Athens, John Arne Riise looks ahead to the biggest game in European football and explains why there's more to AC Milan than just Kaka.
John, it's Liverpool versus AC Milan in the Champions League final again. Two years on from that unforgettable first meeting, how do you look back on that night in Istanbul?

The final in 2005 was the best night ever for me personally and to win that trophy was just unbelievable. I remember everything from start to finish and the celebrations afterwards were just amazing.

You certainly looked like you were enjoying yourself on the bus tour of the city the day after the final…

They said to us that the tour would take one and a half hours but in the end it was four and a half hours! It was great but we don't want to look too far ahead. We just want to prepare for this game and when the time comes for kick-off, we will be ready.

You mentioned you remember all of that night in 2005 but a lot of the lads say they can remember very little of the actual game itself…

I don't remember much about the game but I remember the penalties and [what happened] after the game. I haven't even watched the game since. I just watched Jerzy save the winning penalty and the celebrations afterwards. I think a lot of us will use the memories of 2005 for this game as well.

Have the dreams about this final started because it must occupy every single thought of every day at the moment?

This is the biggest game we can play in club football so hopefully everybody is dreaming about the final. You can't say what's going to happen but you just want to play so perfectly and hope, that after 90 minutes, we will be the winners again.

There's quite a contrast in styles between Liverpool and AC Milan, isn't there?

I have heard some things from them saying they are more technical and we are more physical but we can play football as well. We are strong, we are physical and we have to use that to our advantage. They hate playing against that kind of team. We are not easy to play against but they have craft all over the pitch and we have to respect them for that.

They didn't look as though they fancied the physical aspect against Bayern Munich but it was a different story against Manchester United…

I saw their second-leg victory against United and the way they played was for me one of the best games I have ever seen. Even their manager said afterwards it was the best they had played under him. [But] we have a manager who is very tactical and he will look at everything, good and bad for us. We will prepare hard for the game and when May 23 comes, the team will be ready for it.

There's no Andriy Shevchenko this time but they still have Kaka. Do you believe they still pose the same threat as they did two years ago?

Kaka is the top goalscorer in the Champions League this year so they are scoring goals, there's no doubt about that. I think we have a final between two teams who are good defensively, don't concede many goals but can also score goals. I don't think there will be many goals in the game but, as I said, you never know. We will play our own game, have respect for what they can do but try to play our football and play to our strengths.

Do you feel you are the underdogs again going into this final?

It's difficult to say. AC Milan haven't had the best season in Italy but have been brilliant in the Champions League which is the same as us, so I think it's quite equal to be fair. We are looking at ourselves at the moment but when the game starts to get closer, we will look at the videos to see where we can get at them. They have got world class players and everybody in our squad knows what they can do but it's nice to get a reminder.

Do you take any notice when you hear people like Sir Alex Ferguson insist there's no way AC Milan can lose this match?

We don't. We know what we can do and we know we are in the final because we deserve to be there. We have our own style of football which has been successful for us and we know that some teams hate to play against us because we play a physical game, very tight and compact and use a lot of counter attacks. We don't listen to things like that. We know what we can do and we are going to prepare ourselves perfectly.

As a player, do you ever worry that you are not to going to be involved. Xabi Alonso's omission from the starting line-up in the semi-final proved that nobody is undroppable…

With the manager you never know what he is going to do. Even if you have played in every single game all season, you never know if he's got a surprise or something. He keeps everyone on their toes and you never know who is going to be rested or not play. I think the 11 that is going to start in Athens will deserve to play and everyone will support the team.

Is the return of Harry Kewell a big boost?

Definitely. I've been seeing Harry every morning in training when he has been working out and getting ready for the games. He has been very focused and has managed to play two games before the final to get his confidence up. When he came on against Charlton he was brilliant in the half hour he played so he's got his form at the right time. I read what the boss said and it's maybe too soon for him to start the game but his return is definitely a boost for us.

You hinted at the manager's tactical brilliance, particularly in the European games, but how does he set about that? Will you watch some videos or will he give you a personal dossier for the players you will be up against?

It's different from game to game but obviously when he picks his team to play in the final, he will talk to every player and tell them what he expects from them and what the opposition's players are going to do. As I said before, we know a lot about the AC Milan players anyway. Our manager is a tactical genius and he will get our players ready.

Milan's style relies heavily on their full-backs getting forward a lot which could mean a busy night for you…

If I'm selected! As I say, I saw their second-leg semi-final against United and their full-backs are more like strikers than wingers. They had a lot of space [against United] but the way we play is quite compact. If we can attack them when their full-backs are still in our half, then we will have a lot of space. We will prepare hard during our training camp and look at their weaknesses and try and exploit them.

Talking of preparation, has training changed at all in the build up to the final?

We have only got one game to play now so training will be focused on how we are going to approach the game and how we are going to play. I don't think the manager will change it because we have trained the same way through the season and it's worked well for us. The one difference is being in Spain but it's good for us to get away. We are training in the heat to get used to what the weather will be like in Athens. The team is great together and we are going to have a lot of fun. We will work hard and, of course, we are going to play some golf as well!

Any karaoke planned?

(Laughs) No, I don't think so!

Will it help you the fact that the climate in Spain is very similar to Athens?

Yes, I think so and that's why we are going away to get used to it. It's totally different playing in Liverpool to playing in Athens.

In terms of your own season, how would you assess it?

It started badly because I was injured for six weeks. I then got back and I have played in most of the games and felt I have done OK. Hopefully I have done enough to play in the final. I am going to work hard during the training sessions and prove I'm worth a place.

You seem to be enjoying your football at the moment…

I am. I'm very happy and I want to finish my career here at Liverpool. If the new owners and the boss want me here, I will sign with no hesitation.

Getting back to the final, everyone seems to be talking about Kaka…

He is a world class player, their top scorer and is one we have to watch but we can't just focus on one player. We have to be careful because they have got people like Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf who are all match winners. You have to look at their best players just like they would look at us with Steven Gerrard. Yes, they have got Kaka but we can't just focus on one player because they are a world class side.

Can you remember back to Istanbul and what it was like waiting to walk out onto the pitch? Is it a mixture of excitement, nerves and tension?

In 2005 it was the first time any of us had played in this kind of big game. We tried to do everything as normal as we always do before a game but it was hard because the build up was in the press, on TV and everywhere. We didn't read the papers because it was too much but it was exciting. It was good for us because we wanted to give that little bit extra for the fans.

That final was called the miracle of Istanbul but you certainly can't afford to give them a three-goal start this time…

It was a miracle in Istanbul but I don't think it's going to happen again. We have got to approach the game perfectly and hopefully get a good result.

Do you think you'll be better prepared for the enormity of the game having experienced the whole thing before in Istanbul?

We all know how it's going to be. I watched Arsenal v Barcelona last year and I noticed how big it was. When we were involved in the final I didn't really see that much but when I watched it last year, I could see what an event it was. For this year, we have got the experience now. We've been there once before but then so have the AC Milan players. We are ready.

**Sir X** · May 17, 2007, 02:39 PM

Milan coach ridicules Reds style

Ancelotti (left) was beaten by Benitez's side at the 2005 Champions League final
AC Milan Carlo Ancelotti has labelled Liverpool the least technically gifted of the three English sides to reach the Champions League semi-finals.
Ancelotti has also accused the Reds of abandoning their English roots ahead of their Champions League final on 23 May.

"Technically, Liverpool are the worst team of the three English sides who reached the semi-finals," he said.

"But out of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United, I'd have preferred United in the final."

Liverpool do not have the DNA of an English side

Carlo Ancelotti

He added: "You could see from the two legs of our semi-final with them that they play and let you play. I don't think it will be the same with Liverpool."

AC Milan were beaten by the Anfield side in the 2005 final in the competition after Liverpool came back from 3-0 down to draw level at 3-3 and then win on penalties.

Genarro Gattuso has already taunted the Reds by claiming they are not as good as Manchester United and Ancelotti has stoked the fires further with his latest comments.

He delivered a barb at counterpart Rafael Benitez and a policy he sees as decreasing the number of English players in the team.

"Milan are a strong Italian team. there is a strong Italian culture running through the team." said Ancelotti.

"Liverpool do not have the DNA of an English side. It is more of a Mediterranean team because of the coach."

**Sir X** · May 17, 2007, 06:30 PM

RAFA REPLIES WITH A COMPLIMENT , I THINK HE IS GETTING UNDER ALL THE BIG MANAGERS SKIN ,MOURINHO HATES HIM , SIR ALEX FEARS HIM , ARSE HAS HIS EYES ON HIM EVEN WHEN HIS BACK IS TURNED .....HE is simply class.

RAFA: ATHENS PLACES UP FOR GRABS
Paul Eaton 17 May 2007
Rafael Benitez has told his players there's still time to play their way into his Champions League final team.
The battle is now on for starting places in Athens and the Liverpool boss admits he will be using this week's training camp in Spain to prepare his tactical plan and consider his selection possibilities for the clash with AC Milan.

"We need to look at the players in the training camp and in every training session," he said. "The other day people were talking about Harry Kewell. He was playing well for half an hour but we need to see whether he's fit and then decide if he can play from the start or not. There's a lot for me to decide yet but in training we will see.

"What I know at the moment is that we are focused and we will be ready. The players are really thinking about this game and you could see in previous games that as much as you tried to push them, their minds were already on the final.

"The only thing we can do now is to prepare properly for the game and approach it with confidence because it's easy to become nervous or stressed. If you know what to do it will be easier."

Benitez is refusing to get drawn into a war of words with the Milan camp and even refutes suggestions that the Italians will retain the mental scars of Istanbul when they kick off on Wednesday night.

"I think Ancelotti was doing everything right in Istanbul and they were playing really well," he added. "When we started scoring goals he began to change his players which I think was the right thing to do. He had Serginho down the left side trying to open the game and trying to cause us problems. We were controlling things even by playing Gerrard at right back. I think it's going to be a very different game this time as we both have more experience.

"I'm not interested in what gets said beforehand. We don’t need to talk about revenge and headlines. This is just another game between two top sides."

**Sir X** · May 17, 2007, 06:35 PM

THE BIGGEST LIE being perpetuated by MILAN is that we play a long ball game .How can we do that with the midfielders we have , the contradiction in Adeclotti statements is that pool has a spanish accent , which means we believe in bonito junito, Rafa always talks about balance, thats where Crouch comes in , If need be we have the option to play a brutal english game , but lets not forget its all about balance.

Its makes no sense to bring in players who play a passing game from La liga and Brazil to implement a long ball shistem. RAFA is a genius .

**Sir X** · May 18, 2007, 08:08 AM

ATHENS '07: JERMAINE PENNANT INTERVIEW
Mark Platt 18 May 2007
As excitement continues to build ahead of next week's Champions League Final in Athens, Jermaine Pennant takes time out to preview the eagerly anticipated clash with AC Milan.

Jermaine, how much are you looking forward to this final?

Very much so. It's a great achievement. Everyone wants to play in the Champions League Final and luckily I can say I now have the chance of participating in one.

When you joined the club last summer you spoke of your aim to play in finals. Now you stand on the verge of playing in the biggest one of them all...

Yeah, it's a dream come true. Everyone who signs for this club wants to play in big games like this and I'm no different. It won't sink in though until I actually cross that line of that pitch in Athens. There is so much at stake and the atmosphere is going to be great.

You've been involved in relegation battles in the past with other clubs so does that mean you appreciate this more?

Obviously, not a lot of players get the chance to play in a Champions League Final during the course of their career so for this opportunity to come along in my first season with Liverpool is unbelievable and I'm so proud, for the team, the fans and myself. As you say, I've suffered the pain of relegation and that is a real low but now we are all on a high here at the moment and it's very exciting.

What is the feeling like among the squad right now? Is it one of excitement or is there a touch of nerves?

There are no nerves as such just yet but I'm sure that will change as we get closer to the game. That's when we'll start getting the butterflies in our stomach. Everyone's just keen to prove themselves in training and impress the boss. At the same time we're all having a good laugh and the mood in the camp is great.

Have the players who won the cup in 2005 spoke to you about the atmosphere and about what to expect of the occasion?

There hasn't been much talk about it to be honest but I'm sure everyone knows what to expect. Having watched that final on television I am well aware of what the atmosphere was like. I know what our fans are like and I'm sure it'll be similar this time around. They'll make the atmosphere as good as possible.

Obviously you want to start the game but presumably you have to be ready to fulfil whatever role the manager asks you to...

Yeah, definitely. It all depends on what the boss thinks will be best for the team on the night but I'll play in any position he wants me to.

How do you feel about the prospect of playing against such a world-class defender like Paolo Maldini?

It'll be great. I love playing against great players. Obviously, he's a legend in the game and has been for years. If I was to play against him then I'm sure it'll be a great battle and one I'd relish.

You did very well against Ashley Cole in the semi-final, that must give you confidence?

For sure. It's always a boost for your confidence when you do well against a good full-back. I've had many tough battles with good full-backs in the past and I'm not phased by reputations.

What about AC Milan goalkeeper Dida – there are suggestions that he's not the best. Would it be a good idea to maybe test him early on in the game?

I think he's still a very good keeper. He's tall and has a commanding presence but yes it'll be good for us to put him under pressure early on and maybe unsettle him.

Did you watch the 2005 final?

I watched the first half but turned off at half-time after seeing us concede the three goals. I was on holiday at the time in Mauritius and I think a lot of English people did likewise. I went off somewhere in a sulk then got a text saying it was 3-3. It was amazing.

Were you watching that game thinking one day you'd be a Liverpool player?

I was certainly hoping I'd be here one day because I've supported the club since I was a little kid. I was on my summer break at the time of that game but seeing the miraculous comeback made me want to get straight back into training.

No-one will ever forget that dramatic penalty shoot-out in Istanbul but have you thought about the possibility that this game could go the same way?

We all practice penalties now and again so we'll be ready if such a scenario arises again. You've got to feel confident when taking a penalty though and it all depends how you feel on the day as to whether I'd volunteer or not. But if I've had a good game and I'm on a high then, yes, I'd definitely be up for taking one.

Liverpool, of course, have a magnificent European record but how does it feel to think you might be part of the team that brings home European Cup number six?

The record is frightening and I'd love to help extend it. Just to be associated with such a world-famous club like Liverpool is an honour and, personally, I've won nothing yet in my career so to be part of a team that wins the Champions League would just be unbelievable for me.

Having run into some good form of late, how confident are you of making a real impact at Anfield next season?

It was always going to be difficult to try and make an impact straight away. Not many new players get off to a flier in their first season at a club. It even took Ronaldo time before he showed what he's really capable of. Now I've been here for a season I've got my own base, I've got used to the players and manager, and it's all set up for me to really explode next season.

In the latter part of the season you really seem to have built up a good relationship with the Liverpool strikers. Do you think your link-up play with Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt could be a key element in the final?

It could be. They've both got a good presence in the air and if I can get the crosses into them we'll have a chance. Crouchy is always going to be a big threat and Dirk's strength can unsettle teams. Of course, we mustn't forget Craig Bellamy either because he's small and can feed off the big men. It all depends on what team Rafa puts out.

With Milan particularly threatening down the wing are you aware that, if selected, you may have some defensive duties on the night?

Yes, definitely. I don't think they play with out-and-out wingers as such but every player is a danger, especially the likes of Kaka. It doesn't matter who you're playing against, defensive duties are always part of my game so I'll be fully prepared. I'm looking forward to it and hopefully we'll come out on top.

Have you been to Athens before?

I don't think I have. I've played in that many countries it's hard to remember but I'm pretty sure I haven't. I just hope my first trip there is a memorable one.

What does it mean to play for the Liverpool fans and do you have a message for them ahead of the final?

The roar of the Liverpool crowd gives me such a massive lift. I've never experienced anything like the atmosphere they created in the semi-final second leg against Chelsea. When I came on I had butterflies and I gave every last breath I had to repay their wonderful support. It was such a great feeling and if they can do that again in Athens then I'm sure all the boys will give them 110 per cent in return.

Are you anticipating a shiver down your spine when you walk out in Athens and see all the fans with their flags and banners?

Without a doubt, it's going to be amazing. It's just sad that the ticket allocation hasn't been enough.

How impressed were you with Milan in their semi-final against Manchester United?

They were very good but I don't Man United were at their best that night. I'm not taking anything away from Milan's performance but I believe United's defence was a bit sloppy and they got punished for it. I'm sure the boss will have analysed Milan and be well aware of both their strong points and weak points. We'll be briefed on this nearer the time and will know what they're all about.

Look out for an exclusive interview with Steve Finnan on Saturday as we continue our build-up to Athens.

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